Writing a case study for a business is a necessary step in any company’s journey toward success. Effective case studies come in many different styles and lengths, depending on the goal of those who craft these all-important documents. Most case studies, no matter how long or short, have at least three core components: a story summary, a description of lessons that can be gleaned from the summary and detailed contact information for the company’s key personnel.
Summarize the Story
The summary of an effective case study needs to incorporate the company’s story in such a way that key facts stand out and logically flow from one time period to the next. There’s no need for a 10-page biography or long-form corporate history. Instead, it helps to focus on the highlights of the company’s story from its founding to the present day. When written in a compelling way, readers should be able to clearly see the unique features and admirable points of the company’s history.
Extract the Lessons
Some case studies simply showcase your products’ successes, while others illustrate important corporate decisions, like adding a new product line or deciding to double the workforce. Every story is different, of course, but the focus of a forceful case study should center on lessons. Those lessons can explain things like how management learned to serve a unique market segment or how a new product helped a client solve a difficult problem.
It’s important to gear this section of your case study toward the intended reader. One critical thing to know when you’re writing something for business (including a case study) is who the primary audience is. You’ll want to emphasize different facts for investors, consumers or potential lenders.
Include Extensive Contact Information
No matter who the study’s intended audience is, it’s essential to include detailed contact information at the end of the study. This typically means phone numbers, a physical mailing address, the main website address and two or three social media links. There is no reason to go overboard, but make certain that any reader of the study has quick and easy contact data in plain sight when they finish reading.
Case studies serve many purposes and provide an ideal way for businesses of all sizes to attract customers, investors and media attention. By making sure to include a well-written summary and related lessons learned, a detailed case study can work as a long-form calling card for a company and help a new firm build its reputation in any industry.
Being good at writing a case study is important, but it’s also important to have good marketing copy. Check out this other article on how a good copywriter can help your business!